The popular Smurfs characters are encouraging children, young people and
adults to make the world happier, more peaceful, equitable and healthy
with a campaign launched today by the United Nations, UNICEF, and the
United Nations Foundation.
Watch the featurette “International Day of Happiness 2017 - Small Smurfs Big Goals” below:
The “Small Smurfs Big Goals” campaign is designed to encourage everyone
to learn about and support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which
were agreed on by all 193 member countries of the United Nations in
2015. It kicks off with the launch of a Public Service Announcement
video inspiring viewers to champion the Goals, which include ending
extreme poverty, protecting the planet and giving everyone the chance to
enjoy peace and prosperity.
The public can also join “Team Smurfs” by visiting the
SmallSmurfsBigGoals.com website to find out how they can contribute to
achieving the Goals; discover which goals are best suited to their
interests; raise their voices for a better world for all; and share
information, ideas and images on social media.
"The entertainment industry moves the hearts and minds of people of
all ages, and the UN thanks our friends at Sony Pictures Animation and
the Smurfs for this creative effort to mobilize support for the
Sustainable Development Goals,” said Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Public Information. “We
hope this campaign will motivate millions of young people and their
families to do their part to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect
our planet – three key aspects that will lead to the well-being and
happiness of all people.”
Team Smurfs will rally behind the 17 Goals through to the International
Day of Happiness on 20 March 2017 when the campaign will culminate in a
celebration at United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the
occasion. This year, the International Day of Happiness will highlight
the Sustainable Development Goals as building blocks of happiness. Voice
actors from the upcoming animated movie Smurfs: The Lost Village will
attend to honour youth and children who have played a role in raising
awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We know that children and young people are some of the world’s most
passionate advocates on issues that matter to them the most. We must
continue to find new ways to empower them to help achieve a world free
from inequality and injustice for every child. This campaign will give
children and young people the platform they need to have their voices
heard,” said UNICEF Director of Communications Paloma Escudero.
“The campaign message focuses on the notion that every one of us can make a difference, regardless of our size,” said Veronique Culliford, the daughter of Peyo, who created the Smurfs in 1958. “It’s
an honor and privilege for The Smurfs to support the United Nations and
to continue our longstanding relationship with UNICEF.”
“All of us, even a small Smurf, can achieve big goals!” added Demi Lovato, who voices Smurfette in the upcoming animated movie Smurfs: The Lost Village.
The “Small Smurfs Big Goals” campaign will be localized in 14 different
languages and promoted across Sony Pictures Television Networks’
flagship channel brands such as AXN, Sony Channel, Crackle, Animax and
Pop available in 178 countries, including their on-air, online and
social media properties.
The public can engage on social media using the hash-tags #SmallSmurfsBigGoals and #TeamSmurfs
ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
In September 2015, UN Member States unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, focused on the three interconnected
elements of: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental
protection. With 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its core,
the Agenda is universal, integrated and transformative and aims to spur
actions that will end poverty, reduce inequality and tackle climate
change between now and 2030.
For more information, go to: www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment or follow us on Twitter at @GlobalGoalsUN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/globalgoalsUN.
ABOUT SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE
In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map
sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an
exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with
magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil
wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of
action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the
discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! The feature is
directed by Kelly Asbury, produced by Jordan Kerner and Mary Ellen
Bauder Andrews, and written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on
the characters and works of Peyo.
